I was in dialogue with an acquaintance from my south coast years yesterday, and when it occured to me that he had no inkling that Ed and I have been in a relationship for over a year now, I realized a little catch up session might be due (especially since my about me page on this blog now contains many errata). so, here goes:
One
I have been out of northampton since about August/September last year. I spent most of the latter days of last summer going to interviews across the capital, trying to get out of my village-pub rut in order to gain a position where I might be able to progress in the hospitality industry. It paid off, and I got one, and now work for big hitting London brewery, Fuller, Smith and Turner.
(My windowsill collection of carefully nurtured supermarket herbs, and also if you look closely you can see the yellow teapot Ed bought me as a housewarming present)Two
My London existence started off just outside of zone 6, where I lived with my most-obliging grandmother in Potters Bar, while I built up some money and got myself used to my new pace of work. I had no real internet connection at this time, and since I was relying on the kindness of a relation, I had no real desire to create kitchen chaos and make myself a disruptive houseguest. I didn't do an awful lot of cooking in that period, in fact, the whole time felt as though I were in a kind of stasis, waiting for things to happen and living on the hoof. I pretty much exhausted myself flathunting the whole time, travelling north london in it's entirety, or so I felt.
(My new shared kitchen, warts, Pantera sticker, and all. It's my aim to get this to be a busy, communal space in the house, that's a pleasure to be in)
Three
I finally lucked out, and in february I moved into a houseshare with four other people in their twenties in Muswell Hill. It's not in ideal condition, but it's cheap, and it's one of those character-ridden properties that someone last had a stab at decorating in the early seventies that I always seem to end up living in. One of the things that sold me on the place was the kitchen. Not for the beauty of the place (although I'll admit to enjoying the yellow and brown palette and outmoded decor a lot more than i probably ought), but for the space, and the layout, and the fact that it seemed like it would be a joy to cook in. I have been getting to know my kitchen, the area, and my housemates, and vowed that as soon as my internet access was restored, that food-blogging would resume with renewed vigour.
I have so many plans for this kitchen, and for the space I have out back and in front of the property that catches so much sun it would be rude not to grow edibles in containers, and Muswell Hill itself is particularly stimulating for those of the foodie persuasion. It has amazing greengrocers, ethnic groceries (am i the only one who feels it's inappropriate to say that, by the way? it seems kind of racist. preferred terms on a postcard please), and health food shops, a cheese shop, a wine shop, a kitchen equipment shop, an organic supermarket, and branches of the more food-concerned big box supermarkets.
It has been amazing bringing my country girl nesting instinct to the big city, and actually finding that despite commutes, longer working hours, and so many reasons to be out and about, a slow-paced home life is actually possible. I do often feel that my desire to put down even temporary roots, is at odds with the attitudes of the nomadic, bustling people around me in London, but I am working on cultivating a small, handcrafted corner of the world for myself, and enjoying the process. It is of course, also wonderful to be cooking without anyone expecting me to say, be eating at a certain time, or eating certain things. It's like regaining total creative control. it's wonderful.
(my first seedlings, L-R: chives, spinach, spring onions, leeks, tomatoes)
Four
I have to say, massive sap that I am, that my favourite thing about moving to London is the increased proximity to aforementioned esteemed blogging partner. It will come as no surprise to hear that the couple who run a food blog together probably work best as a partnership when in the process of sharing/discussing/consuming/creating food and drink, and being in London is something that has made the process of cooking and eating together a much more regular experience. Whether in or out, it's always varied and interesting, from pizza and pinot noir in front of a film, to the incredible raspberry and pistachio macarons ed made me for my birthday. the context in which food is eaten is, to me at least, with my continued affection for stories, just as important as what is eaten, and i can't think of anyone i'd rather be breaking bread with than Ed.
(One of the first few batches of bread made in the kitchen here, with wholemeal organic flour, apple juice, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and coated in oats and sunflower seeds)
When I think about how I got here, and how fast everything has moved, I have to remind myself that it's real, that i'm actually living this. it's great to be back out in the wider world on my own, and rest assured, readers, that rather than leaving Ed to hold down the fort, which he#s been doing masterfully, i will be here, reporting back on as many dishes cooked and eaten as is physically possible.
